Nightclub operators, entertainers and other players in Ondo State’s entertainment industry on Thursday staged a protest in Akure over repeated raids by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging that the operations were threatening their businesses.
The protesters expressed concern over what they described as persistent harassment of club owners and customers, as well as reports of gunshots during some of the enforcement operations.
The demonstration disrupted traffic for several hours, with protesters blocking roads around the First Bank area and other locations in the state capital while chanting solidarity songs.
One of the protesters, who identified himself as Ayo, said the raids had discouraged customers from visiting entertainment centres, raising concerns about the survival of businesses in the sector.
“We don’t know what we have done to the EFCC. They always attack our clubs and harass our customers,” he said.
Ayo acknowledged that the commission was responsible for tackling internet fraud but argued that patronising nightclubs should not automatically make anyone a suspect.
He urged the anti-graft agency to adopt targeted enforcement measures rather than subjecting customers and business operators to what he described as indiscriminate harassment.
Another protester said the repeated operations had created fear among residents and customers around the affected establishments, worsening the difficulties faced by entertainment businesses.
The protesters appealed to the Ondo State Government and the EFCC to intervene, urging both parties to find a way to combat financial crimes without disrupting legitimate businesses.
They warned that continued raids could further damage the state’s entertainment industry and called for measures to protect business owners, workers and customers.
